WHETHER IN APRIL SHOWERS or sunshine it is time for Child Find BC to raise awareness and funds through the annual Michael Dunahee Keep the Hope Alive Drive sparked by the Victoria Chapter on Vancouver Island. The 5K walk and run is on Sunday, April 8th.I have written about Michael and this yearly event in the past. It was maddening to learn of the little boy's disappearance from a playground in Victoria, BC, in 1991. Disasters such as this alert parents to the unsettling fact that their own children could just as easily be snatched. A gaze averted for mere seconds can lead to a child vanishing seemingly into thin air.
LOST is the word that comes to mind when searching for a letter that starts with “L”. It is something no one wants to think about and I am sure many would be shocked as I was to read some 60,000 kids are reported missing each year in Canada. A vast number are runaways. Some are parental abductions. Although most return, some disappearances are never resolved and in rare cases children are found but have lost their lives.
Chances for positive outcomes increase and abductions decrease when people are actively involved in educating the public on prevention and safety techniques. Child Find works with community groups as well as local police to support families and help prevent future disasters.Organizations such as Child Find never give up on the missing and offer families the compassion and resource information they need to deal with the trauma of not knowing what has happened to their loved ones.
We have all heard of extraordinary events when a lost child has been found alive as an adult and returned to their families. The passing years cannot wipe away the hope that a missing child will one day be found.
Anyone in the area wanting to participate in the nature walk or wanting to learn more about this non-profit service can start here.
The word lost showcases the letter "L" and is linked to ABC Wednesday.
Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms
There is nothing more distressing than a child being lost and hurt. Important post and well narrated and illustrated with the photographs. Carver, ABC Wednesday Team
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad - but important - letter L!
ReplyDeletean important message indeed!
ReplyDeleteROG, ABC Wednesday team
I cannot imagine losing a child, a hurt that would never go away. Child Find is a wonderful organization.
ReplyDeleteAn important message, indeed, Penelope, and I really appreciate your continuing to raise awareness of Michael's story. Who knows! One such post could be the one that leads to the final clue. And if not, perhaps it will help to save one family from the pain of a similar experience. I spent some time at the web site you gave. Many of the links on it are no longer working, but the pictures of the family really glued themselves to my consciousness. His sister's life was also changed that day; she was raised be grieving parents. Terribly sad, but thank you for the post.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us about this. Distressing numbers of children go missing.
ReplyDeleteA very good message stated in your post. I remember when Micheal went missing. It was such devastating news at that time and I am sure it still is for the parents today.
ReplyDelete60,000 kids equates to 120,000 broken hearted parents. How awful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a sad but important post!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a tragedy, I hope that someday they get closure, some day soon...
ReplyDeleteThat's an amazing organization.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Such a heart wrenching thing to lose your child - especially because there is no closure. Thanks for posting this!
ReplyDelete